The Commissioning
- by: Paul Hussey 10/14/08
A MOMENT IN GOD'S WORD
Read Matthew 10:1-42.
THE COMMISSIONING
One by one, couple by couple, missionary by missionary, one hundred and eight appointees of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention approached the microphone to announce their area of ministry and ask for prayer. These missionaries to major urban areas, where people can hear the gospel on T.V. or radio, as well as to sparsely populated sites, where some have never heard the good news, all spoke with enthusiasm for their individual ministries.
For this reason, Jesus' words at the commissioning of his twelve disciples are not necessarily the best to share with missionaries about to embark on their quest to build the kingdom of God. New workers are not generally inspired or motivated by predictions that they will be dragged into court, maligned, beaten, and threatened with death. Yet, Jesus cautioned The Twelve that if people called him Beelzebul, how much more would they malign his followers?
However, none of this bad news could dampen the enthusiasm of the men who traveled with Jesus or the newly commissioned disciples of Jesus from NAMB. To hear these NAMB missionaries speak, they couldn't wait to end the service so they could go to Calgary or San Diego or Nome or Miami. They believed that the joy before them would enable them to endure whatever hardships they must face. Unfortunately, not every Christian has this attitude, so what's the difference?
None of the one hundred eight seemed exceptionally intelligent, though some gave evidence in their testimonies that they were very bright. None seemed physically superior either. In fact, a few were lame and walked with canes while others hobbled on weak knees and feet wrapped in medical boots. No, the difference was not in mind or body but in spirit. Everyone was willing to do whatever it takes to serve Jesus. Maybe you want to call this quality dedication or commitment but the difference lies in focusing of a goal and never looking back. If God lays a kingdom goal on your heart, will you be ready for the commissioning? Will you be willing to do whatever it takes? Will you be anxious to be a disciple of Jesus?
A MOMENT IN PRAYER
Please pray for Ann Ault. Ann is in the final stages of Parkinson's disease and is under hospice care at Colonial Oaks Nursing Home in Metairie.
A MOMENT IN SERVICE
Chris Smith is leading the preparations for Trunk or Treat on October 29. You may wish to decorate your car trunk (that's the boot for all you Brits) or you may like to donate candy to dispense to the children. It's a good way to be a kid again.
A MOMENT IN TIME
Fourth Friday is October 24 at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The next luncheon is on December 5 at NOBTS for our Christmas program.